Selected 14th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft, Honka is a right-handed shot with elite puck-moving ability but was unable to carve out a full-time role in Dallas. He tallied just 13 points in 87 career games across three seasons, was a healthy scratch for the final 35 contests of the 2018-19 campaign, and didn't appear in the playoffs.

Montreal may be seeking more mobility and offensive upside on the back end, as Jeff Petry and Shea Weber were the team's only rearguards to top 25 points a season ago.

Friedman describes the Hurricanes' interest as dependent on "other things they are considering." The Canes have reportedly been discussing a trade with the Anaheim Ducks involving veteran defenseman Justin Faulk, but it's apparently contingent on Faulk agreeing to an extension beforehand.

If Faulk is dealt for a forward, Carolina's third defense pairing would have an opening for a right-handed shot.